Drexel University College of Medicine

Diseases and Conditions

Branchial cleft cyst

Definition

A branchial cleft cyst is a lump that develops in the neck or just below the collarbone. It is a type of birth defect.

Alternative Names

Cleft sinus

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Branchial cleft cysts form during development of the embryo. They occur when tissues in the neck and collarbone area (branchial cleft) fail to develop normally.

The birth defect may appear as open spaces called cleft sinuses, which may develop on one or both sides of the neck. A branchial cleft cyst may form from fluid drained from a sinus. The cyst or sinus can become infected.

Symptoms

• Small pits, lumps, or skin tags at either side of the neck or just below the collarbone
• Fluid drainage from a pit on the neck

Signs and tests

Your baby's health care provider will be able to diagnose this condition with a physical examination. Testing is usually not necessary.

Treatment

Infected branchial cleft cysts or sinuses require antibiotic treatment. If there are persistent problems with drainage or infection, any cysts should be surgically removed.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most branchial cleft remnants require no treatment. If surgery is required, results are usually good.

Complications

Complications include infection of the cyst or sinus.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice a small pit, cleft, or lump in the neck or upper shoulder of your infant, especially if fluid drains from this area.

References

McGuirt WF Sr. Differential diagnoses of neck masses. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al., eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2005:chap 112.

Physician Reference

International Classification of Diseases, 9^th Revision (ICD9)

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.